MISSIONTo convene senior-most representatives from government, universities, and industry to define and explore critical issues related to the national and global science and technology agenda that are of shared interest; to frame the next critical question stemming from current debate and analysis; and to incubate activities of on-going value to the stakeholders. This forum is designed to facilitate candid dialogue among participants, to foster self-implementing activities, and, where appropriate, to carry awareness of consequences to the wider public.

MEMBERSHIPGUIRR has three formal categories of membership: 1) Individual Council Members (appointed by the President of the National Academy of Sciences; or for federal members and the National Academies presidents, appointments are as ex-officio members; 2) Individual Council Associates (identified delegates of the ex-officio Council Members, plus the Chair of the Federal Demonstration Partnership and the President of the University-Industry Demonstration Partnership); and 3) Institutional Members (dues-paying University-Industry Partnerships).A fourth member category was established in 2012, that of GUIRR Distinguished Fellow. Individuals named to this category are former Council members that have either (1) served the maximum allowable two consecutive three-year terms or (2) no longer qualify as federal ex officio members because their federal appointment was during a previous Administration, and yet these individuals wish to remain engaged in Roundtable activity. GUIRR’s Executive Committee reviews and approves nominations of individuals for this special member category. OPERATING FORMATGUIRR holds three meetings a year that convene the entire membership for exposure to new issues. At these meetings, outside experts are brought in to provide their unique perspectives and promote cross-sector dialogue amongst the GUIRR membership. The intent is to catalyze support and action across government, university, and industry to meet critical science and technology needs.

In addition to its meetings, GUIRR has projects which operate at the working group level throughout the year. These projects typically report back to the entire membership at the three annual meetings. Because the variety of issues that GUIRR can undertake is large, its funds are finite, and the format for potential projects so varied, GUIRR relies on its members to set its vision. Projects, topics, and activities are self-nominated and championed by individuals, though the GUIRR Executive Committee exerts control over the number of projects undertaken at any given time. GUIRR provides all staff support for approved projects, including fundraising. Once a project is completed, the task force that self-assembled to complete it dissolves.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENTGUIRR provides a forum like no other, where a unique mix of sectors comes together to understand how the other side thinks. The participants are senior-most leaders within their organizations, a tribute to the “convening power” of the National Academies. GUIRR offers “neutral turf” and closed doors for very frank discussions that builds bridges and spurs accelerated activities.

GUIRR-initiated collaborations of individuals from the government, university and industry sectors have a continuing record of success in improving the effectiveness of the U.S. in science and technology and its application to national goals. Looking to the future, we believe this approach – reflecting the initiative of its members – will remain timely in an increasingly interdependent world.

GUIRR SUPPORTED INITIATIVES

The Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP) is a GUIRR-supported cooperative initiative among 10 federal agencies and 120 institutional recipients of federal funds; its purpose is to reduce the administrative burdens associated with research grants and contracts. More about FDP...

The purpose of the University-Industry Demonstration Partnership (UIDP), another GUIRR-supported initiative, is to nourish and expand collaborative partnerships between university and industry in the United States. The UIDP is crafting collaborative experiments on new approaches to sponsored research, licensing arrangements, and the broader strategic elements of a healthy, long-term university-industry relationship. More about UIDP.